Google Announces Its Own Social Network, 'Google+'
Jun 28, 2011, 1:57 PM by Eric M. Zeman
updated Jun 28, 2011, 2:13 PM
Updated: added some details., more details
Google today announced a brand new social networking service called Google+, which aims to tie together a number of ways for users to share with small circles of family and/or friends. Google+ includes online elements such as "Circles", "Sparks", and "Hangouts", and other ways to stay in touch. On the mobile side, Google+ offers some key components to make connecting via phone easier. Google concentrated on making it simple to add GPS/location data to every post (if desired, location data can remain private, too) and upload photos instantly in the background to public/private online albums. The mobile component also includes Huddle, a new group messaging tool that is meant to help small groups coordinate with one another. Google+ is available in the Android Market and will work with Android devices running OS 1.6 and up. Google is also looking to offer an iOS application soon. iPhone users will be able to access a limited version of Google+ via the Safari mobile browser. Google+ is being launched in a limited, invite-only trial. Google hasn't said when the service will expand to more users.
Here are some videos that Google posted to help demonstrate how the mobile components of Google+ will all work.
Comments
old recipes, same old result?
Until they bundle some slick new technologies that create new social behaviors while integrating better with users' daily lives, Google stands to be left behind, again, and risk becoming the next RIM.
Time to partner up, Google, and leverage your considerable muscle by getting you and your search users inside the thought bubbles of everyone you can see.
Cheers,
timo
(continues)